So the above photo shows what the weather is like here right now. My poor daffodils are once again ice encrusted, but I am heartened by the fact that they have been through this before and still bloomed. Like life–never dull.
On the writing side, I hope that you are creating and getting words on the page, or if not, that you’re doing all the work that goes on in the brain long before the fingers hit the keyboard. Staring out windows, going for a walk, doing research–that’s writing, too.
After muddling around with one screenplay idea for a couple of months, I set it aside and followed the trail of another idea that I just couldn’t get out of my head. Unfortunately, this idea was what I call “keyboard reluctant” for a loooong time. I could quite happily sit down with pen and paper and scribble notes, figure out character backgrounds and motivations, and draft scenes, but the moment I sat down at the keyboard–nothing. Just couldn’t do it.
Then–
At 1:30 one sleepless morning, the final scene in the screenplay appeared in my head. I got up scribbled it down and finally got to sleep. Apparently, this is what my writing brain was waiting for because the next day the laptop beckoned, and I could finally start typing. Lesson learned. Nothing happens until I know the ending.
In hindsight, I realize that I did know the endings of the previous three screenplays that I wrote, so that explains a lot. I mean, I know I’m trying to write for Hallmark, so there’s obviously a kiss and a happy ending required, but this screenplay had a couple of serious sub-plots to tie up, and until I’d figured those out, I couldn’t get to that happy ending. I’m about 1/3 of the way through, so I have a long way to go, yet, but being back at the keyboard is a hopeful sign, and I’m going with it.
Not everyone needs to know the ending first–and I envy those who can just plunge it–but we all need to find what works for us and go with it. Whatever method guides you, I wish you every success!
I’ve added some links below, if you’re looking for inspiration.
Have a writerly Spring!
LINKS–
The Story Shack Writing Prompts
5 Best Writing Prompt Generators to Beat Writer’s Block by Josh Fechter